Coach Bennett hoping for strong finish

published by ikhan on Tue, 10/08/2013 - 19:23

WICB Media Release.

HUBLI, India – Coach of the West Indies A Team Junior Bennett is expecting a strong finish from his team in the third and final ‘Test’ match against India A, which bowls off at the Karnataka State Cricket Association Ground on Wednesday (12 midnight Eastern Caribbean Time/11 pm Tuesday Jamaica Time).

The Windies lead the series 1-0 – following a win in the opening match in Mysore, and a draw in the second match in Shimoga.

Earlier in the tour, the visitors won the one-day series and lost the T20 encounter.

“It has been a tough, hard tour but everyone has responded really well. As a coach I am very happy with the performances of the players on the field and the camaraderie off the field,” Bennett told WICB Media on Tuesday.

“We want to have a strong finish. We are looking for more good performances from individuals and as a team.”

Bennett suggested that the selection panel would look to make a few changes from the team which played in the second match, with a view of giving other players an opportunity.

He, however, confirmed that fast bowler Fidel Edwards is unavailable for the match with a back complaint.

West Indies have been strong in all departments. Left-arm spinner Nikita Miller has been the leading bowler with 11 wickets (average 17.36) and has also made some important runs at the bottom of the innings.

Opener Kraigg Brathwaite is the leading batsman with 312 runs (average 104.00) including the only century of the series.

“The conditions here are similar to those we had in the last match in Hubli. From what we saw today, the pitch has some grass but we don’t know if that will be removed before the start of play,” said Bennett.

“No matter the conditions, we will look to be consistent and play smart cricket. We have done that very well on tour so far and we want to finish strong.”